(Photo by Colton McKee, coltonmckeephotography.com)
BY TRUMAN BARTMAN. THEMAVERICKS.CA
One day before the 2025 WCBL All-Star game takes place in Okotoks, the Mavericks host the Moose Jaw Miller Express at Athletic Park. It’s the third time in three days that the two will duke it out, with each team taking a game thus far.
The biggest difference this time around is that the Mavericks, for the second time this season, will play as the Gas City Baby Spreys. This alternate identity debuted this Tuesday when the Mavs played the Lethbridge Bulls.
Tonight, the Miller Express will get their first taste of the Baby Spreys, and if the results stay the same from when they’ve played the Mavs, they will be satisfied.
William Edwards and Thomas Soto, two 2025 All-Stars, have been a massive reason for the Millers’ success against the Mavericks and the rest of the WCBL.
Edwards is batting .353 with 6 home runs and 41 RBIs through his 167 appearances at the plate. The New South Wales native has taken the league by storm in his first season and has helped the Miller Express glide into a playoff spot.
Someone who hasn’t surprised anyone with his strong play is veteran Thomas Soto. The switch-hitting two-way superstar was named an All-Star for the second straight season. Soto’s batting .325 and leading the Millers in runs scored with 52.
For the first time in forever, Soto doesn’t lead the Moose Jaw in stolen bases, as Ben Walliczek leads their crew with 22. Even if he isn’t stealing bases at his previous clip, Soto is still a lethal presence on the base path.
Hoping to keep Soto away from home plate is Mavericks starter Danny Retzlaff. The Colorado State Pueblo lefty has had an up-and-down 2025 with an ERA above 5.00. At times, Retzlaff has looked unhittable with plenty of strikeouts to go around. He will be hoping to carry that same approach against the Miller Express.
Ready to take flight once again, the Gas City Baby Spreys have their sights set on beating the Moose Jaw Miller Express and evening up the season series at 4. The action kicks off at 7:05 pm from sunny Medicine Hat as the Spreys play their final home game before the All-Star break.